Definition

Skin cancer surgery is a procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the skin. Skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, can be treated surgically when localized (i.e., not spread to other parts of the body). The goal of surgery is to completely remove the cancerous growth while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Alternative names

Skin lesion excision; Cancerous skin removal; Cutaneous tumor removal; Dermal excision; Excision of skin malignancy; Surgical removal of skin cancer

Description

Skin cancer surgery is one of the most common and effective ways to treat skin cancer. It involves removing cancerous tissue from the skin to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but when detected early, it is highly treatable. Surgery can remove cancer cells, restore the skin’s appearance and give patients peace of mind.

Types of skin cancer surgery

There are several types of skin cancer surgery, and the choice of procedure depends on the type, size and location of the cancer. Common types of skin cancer surgery include:

• Cryosurgery: Liquid nitrogen is applied to the cancerous tissue to freeze and destroy the abnormal cells. This is often used for early-stage, nonmelanoma skin cancers.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Used for small, nonmelanoma skin cancers. The doctor scrapes away the cancerous tissue using a curette (a small, spoon-shaped tool) and then uses an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
• Excisional surgery: The most common method used to remove skin cancer. The surgeon cuts out the cancerous tissue along with some healthy tissue around it to ensure that all cancer cells are removed.
• Mohs surgery: A precise surgical technique used to remove skin cancer in stages. It is most commonly used for skin cancers located in sensitive or hard-to-reach areas, such as the face. The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, then examines it under a microscope to check for cancer cells. The process repeats until all cancer is removed.

Candidates

Skin cancer surgery is recommended for patients diagnosed with skin cancer, especially when it’s confined to the skin and has not spread. People at higher risk for skin cancer may be advised to have surgery to remove suspicious or cancerous growths. Surgery can treat a range of skin conditions, from precancerous lesions to more serious skin cancers.

Doctors may remove precancerous spots that could develop into skin cancer early to prevent progression. The most common forms of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are often treated with surgery to remove the affected tissue and stop the cancer from spreading. For cancers in sensitive or high-risk areas like the face, ears or hands, specialized surgical methods are used to remove cancer while carefully preserving healthy tissue.

More aggressive cancers like melanoma require surgery to remove the tumor, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes, to prevent further spread. Your doctor will help determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment based on your diagnosis and the location of the cancer.

Risks

Skin cancer surgery, while often necessary to remove cancerous tissue, comes with certain risks that patients should understand before proceeding:

• Bleeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Nerve damage
• Pain and discomfort
• Scarring and changes in skin appearance
• Surgical complications

Procedure

Skin cancer surgery varies by type. Your doctor will confirm the diagnosis through an examination and biopsy, then discuss the best surgical option. Preparation may include local or general anesthesia, with specific instructions provided.

The surgeon removes cancerous tissue, sometimes layer by layer, to ensure all cancer is gone. Other techniques involve scraping or freezing cancer cells to destroy them.

Aftercare and recovery

Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery. Follow-up visits are essential to check healing, remove stitches if needed and monitor for cancer recurrence. You may experience some pain, swelling and bruising, which usually improve within a few days to a few weeks. Proper wound care is important, and your doctor will provide instructions. Long-term skin checks may be necessary to watch for new or returning cancer. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

Before and after images

See how we’ve helped patients with skin cancer achieve their goals through plastic surgery procedures.

This entry was written by Jennifer Cruz-Urbano, marketing specialist, and reviewed for accuracy by Bruce Mast, MD, FACS. Generative AI was leveraged as part of the content creation process.